Tire Test - Schwalbe Rocket Ron TL-E Addix SpeedGrip

Test Summary

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The Rocket Ron is one of Schwalbe's most popular all-round cross-country tires. The Rocket Ron is a well-balanced tire that offers good grip while still offering an exceptionally low rolling resistance. When we compare the Rocket Ron to its (also popular) brother the Racing Ralph, the Rocket Ron has a wider spaced tread design that should perform better in off-road conditions while the Racing Ralph has the edge on asphalt.

This is a test of the Rocket Ron TL-Easy with Addix SpeedGrip compound. The Addix SpeedGrip compound is a slightly slower rolling compound than the Addix Speed compound but returns the favor by offering better damping, grip, and durability. Schwalbe calls the SpeedGrip compound the universal compound which is suited for almost all conditions. The Rocket Ron is available with the SpeedGrip compound in the 27.5 x 2.25, 29 x 2.25 and some 27.5+ sizes.

I've also tested the LiteSkin Addix Speed version of the Rocket Ron which can be found here and the TL-Easy Addix Speed version which can be found here. You can also compare these 3 versions of the new Rocket Rons side by side here.

For more information about the new Schwalbe Addix compound and Schwalbe's promises about these new compounds, please reference the Racing Ralph LiteSkin Addix Speed review here.

Weight. Unlike the TL-Easy Addix Speed version of the Rocket Ron that was much heavier than specified, the SpeedGrip version is actually is a bit lighter than the specified weight and comes in at 606 grams! Surprisingly this is the same pattern that I've seen with the Racing Ralph Addix range.

Size. Strange enough, and similar to the Racing Ralph Addix SpeedGrip (read review), the SpeedGrip version seems to measure just slightly smaller than the Speed version at 53mm casing width, 54 knob width, and 51 mm tire height.

Knob Height. Just like the other Rocket Rons, center knob height comes in at 2.4 mm and the edge knobs have a height of 4.3 mm.

Tire Thickness. Thickness is slightly less than the TL-Easy Addix Speed version which seems logical as the SpeedGrip version is a good bit lighter (measured weight at least). Tread thickness comes in at 1.30 mm and the sidewalls have a thickness of 1.00 mm.

Use the formula: RR (watts) = CRR * speed (m/s) * load (N) to calculate rolling resistance at a given speed and load

Surprisingly, rolling resistance of the Addix SpeedGrip version of the Rocket Ron comes in very, very close to the Addix Speed version. I'm not sure what's going on here but there definitely isn't a 15% difference in rolling resistance between the Speed and SpeedGrip versions of the Rocket Ron. I'm disappointed by the inconsistent results of the new Schwalbe compounds. It's only logical (and given me trust in Schwalbe's claims) if we would have seen a clear distinction between these compounds on the test bench.

Rolling resistance does look good for a tire that is specified to provide better grip and durability. Although rolling resistance has become worse when compared to the older PaceStar compound, -if- grip and durability have actually been increased this can be a great tire.

Puncture Resistance Test Results

Puncture Resistance Test Result (higher is better)

Puncture Resistance Tread

6

Puncture Resistance Sidewall

6

Nothing exciting going on in the puncture resistance tests as the TL-Easy Addix SpeedGrip version of the Rocket Ron performs as expected from a light mountain bike tire with reinforced sidewalls.

Conclusion

I can't find a clear distinction between the Addix Speed and Addix SpeedGrip versions of the TL-Easy Rocket Ron. My overall impression of the new Addix compounds is quite messy as the results of these compounds are all over the place. It's hard to believe the Speed and SpeedGrip versions I have here are actually different tires. If grip and durability are supposedly better on the SpeedGrip compound, rolling resistance should be higher as well.

I still rate the Rocket Ron TL-Easy with Addix SpeedGrip compound a 4 out of 5 because when compared to similar tires from competing brands, it still ends up near the top of the results sheet.